I mash in a coolbox mash tun and run the wort into a bucket down some 11mm OD PVC hose. I needed to get some new hose as the old stuff is looking a bit dodgy. I bought what was supposed to be "food grade" stuff from Ebay but its got a really strong smell. Does anyone know if this is likely to be OK, or to be on the safe side should I go for something else - Silicone for example instead? I have soaked the PVC for 3 days in water and have it hanging in the sunshine but it still smells pretty strong and I'd hate to end up with some element of the "smell" in my beer.

I've bought 'foodgrade' pvc braided hose for cold water a while ago and I'm sure i also noticed a smell to it. I need to look at it again, and re-circ sanitiser through it. (I haven't used it for brewing yet)

For hot stuff I use silicone pipe. I'm not sure if you should use PVC for hot pipework, someone else might want to comment on that.

Most online brewshops sell silicone tube, its not cheap but is good, nice thick walls and it wont soften and threaten collaps at a kink when hot liquor is moved through it. if ypu prefer ebay look for ads for silicone used in the dairy industry

ist update for months n months.. Fermnting: not a lot..Conditioning: nowtMaturing: Challenger smash, and a kit lager Drinking: dry one minikeg left in the storeComing Soon Lots planned for the near future nowt for the immediate